Tigers Look To Post Game 3 Win Against Rangers

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DETROIT (AP) – Game 3 of the American League Championship Series will take place Tuesday night in Detroit. The visiting Texas Rangers top the best-of-seven series two games to none after last night’s dramatic 7-3 victory in Arlington, Texas.

Ryan Raburn provided all of Detroit’s Game 2 scoring with a three-run homer in the third inning as the Tigers left 13 runners on base. Detroit is 2 for 19 with runners in scoring position in the series.

“It’s been a great two games. It didn’t go the right way, obviously,” manager Jim Leyland said. “(The Rangers) earned it, and we didn’t quite get it done. We haven’t been able to come up with any big hits.”

Texas dropped four of six at Detroit during the season, it may feel confident with Colby Lewis (1-0, 1.50 ERA) taking the ball.
Victor Martinez (5 for 11), Miguel Cabrera (5 for 12) and leadoff hitter Austin Jackson (6 for 15, one homer) have all had success when facing Lewis.

Colby Lewis looks to remain undefeated for his career in the postseason as he tries to help the Rangers earn a sixth consecutive playoff victory Tuesday night against the Tigers.

Detroit counters with Doug Fister (1-1, 6.52), who hopes his success at home during the season carries over into the playoffs.

Acquired from Seattle at the trade deadline, Fister went 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA in 11 appearances – 10 starts – for the Tigers. In his first outing with his new team Aug. 3, Fister allowed three runs in seven innings of a 5-4 win over Texas at Comerica Park.

The right-hander went 4-0 with a 0.98 ERA in five home starts for the Tigers.

“Obviously, there’s a huge fan base in Detroit, which is terrific to play in front of,” said Fister, 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA in two starts versus Texas this season. “It’s been very prevalent. It’s something that gives you chills.”

Fister gave up six runs and struck out six in 4 2-3 innings of a 9-3 loss at New York when Game 1 of the ALDS resumed Oct. 1. However, he yielded only one run in five innings of a 3-2 victory at Yankee Stadium in Game 5 on Thursday.

Though his team is down 0-2 and Cruz is 7 for 14 with a home run and two doubles against him, Fister does not feel any added pressure taking the mound in this must-win scenario.

“It can’t change the approach for the pitcher at all,” Fister said. “It doesn’t change the mindset, it doesn’t change how you attack hitters.”

Nelson Cruz secured the win with a walk-off grand slam in the 11th inning.

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